Effect of coinfection with influenza virus and bacteria on host damage
Ana María Castro1, Carlos Cabello-Gutiérrez2, Evelyn Pulido-Camarillo3
1Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Facultad de Medicina, Departamento de Salud Pública, Ciudad de México, México.
Background:
Influenza virus infection is often complicated by a bacterial infection, with this coinfection causing severe pneumonia. If not timely treated, the disease can cause death.
Objective:
To demonstrate, in animal models, that coinfection with influenza virus and bacteria that affect the respiratory tract causes multisystemic damage.
Method:
Six groups of mice were formed: a control group, one infected with the influenza virus, two infected with bacteria: Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae, respectively; and two co-infected with influenza virus and Haemophilus influenzae or Streptococcus pneumoniae, respectively.
Results:
Of the six groups of mice, only the group co-infected with influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae showed damage to thoracic and abdominal organs. A decrease in serum cytokine levels was found in all study groups, which was more pronounced in the co-infected mice.
Conclusions:
The groups of mice infected with Streptococcus pneumoniae or influenza virus alone showed no damage, which indicates that coexistence of these infections caused the damage in the group of co-infected mice.
Insights
Coinfection with influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae causes multisystemic damage in mice, affecting thoracic and abdominal organs. This bacterial-viral interaction leads to more severe outcomes than individual infections.
Area of Science:
- Infectious Diseases
- Immunology
- Pathology
Background:
- Influenza virus coinfections with bacteria often lead to severe pneumonia.
- Untreated coinfections can be fatal.
- Understanding coinfection pathogenesis is crucial for effective treatment.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the effects of coinfection with influenza virus and respiratory bacteria in animal models.
- To determine if coinfection causes multisystemic damage.
- To compare the impact of single vs. coinfections.
Main Methods:
- Six groups of mice were utilized for comparative analysis.
- Groups included control, influenza virus alone, Haemophilus influenzae alone, Streptococcus pneumoniae alone, and coinfections with influenza and each bacterium.
- Organ damage and serum cytokine levels were assessed.
Main Results:
- Coinfection with influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae resulted in damage to thoracic and abdominal organs.
- Influenza virus or Streptococcus pneumoniae monoinfection did not cause such damage.
- All infected groups showed decreased serum cytokine levels, with the most significant reduction in coinfected mice.
Conclusions:
- The combined infection of influenza virus and Streptococcus pneumoniae is responsible for multisystemic organ damage.
- Individual infections with influenza virus or Streptococcus pneumoniae are not sufficient to cause this level of damage.
- Coinfection exacerbates disease severity, highlighting the importance of addressing both pathogens.
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